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Animals helping humans: The incredible healing powers of animals

Do you feel like you’re in a funk? Maybe you’re struggling with depression or have experienced a very difficult life event. Therapy or medication may be able to help but maybe there’s a simpler solution.

You could get a pet.

Wait, what?

Yep, absolutely serious. Anyone that has ever owned a pet can attest to the comfort their pet’s presence brings.

You may have already heard plenty of anecdotal evidence about how animals help humans and you may not be super convinced. So let’s take a look at some cold, hard facts about animals helping humans.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

History of Therapy Animals

First, let’s look at the history of using animals in therapy. The idea that animals can help humans is not a new one. In the late 1800s the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, actually noted that the presence of small animals seemed to reduce anxiety for patients in psychiatric care. She also observed that medical patients healed faster when small animals were around.

In the 1930s another famous name, Sigmund Freud, found that his patients opened up more when he brought his dog, Jofi, to the therapy sessions. Sometimes he would start patients off by communicating through the dog. This technique seemed to reduce their stress level and help them open up over time until they could talk directly to him.

Moving up to the 1960s a famous child psychologist, Boris Levinson, accidentally discovered that a boy who wouldn’t talk opened up when Boris’ dog, Jingles, was in the room. He continued to use the dog with other children and noticed the same correlation. Eventually, Levinson wrote a paper on the subject and the idea began to become more widespread.

Now animals are used in therapy centers, hospitals, rehab centers, nursing homes, and many other types of healthcare centers.

But why? What it is about animals that is so soothing? What is so powerful that it can promote both physical and mental healing? Why do patients with psychiatric issues open up so much more with their therapists when an animal is present?

Let’s find out!

Picture Credit: Pixabay

Unconditional Love

Animals are excellent exhibitors of unconditional love. They don’t care what you look like, how you talk, or what you say. This factor alone can reduce anxiety in people.

No matter how hard we try to combat it, we humans seem to be programmed to judge. Perhaps it is simply part of our sinful nature. We judge each other and we judge ourselves–often even more harshly than we judge other people.

Even when other people accept us, we find it hard to believe that they aren’t judging us. However, we all innately understand that animals don’t judge us. They don’t care about any problem or injury or health issue we may have.

They just love us for who we are and appreciate the caresses and words of encouragement that we offer. Perhaps the love an animal offers is the closest we can get to understanding God’s unconditional love for us.

Perhaps we all innately understand that. Maybe that plays a part in why an animal’s presence is relaxing and helps to reduce anxiety.

Picture Credit: Pixabay

The Effect of Oxytocin

Right about now you’re probably thinking, okay that’s all well and good but that’s still pretty subjective. Where are those cold, hard facts? What scientific proof is there about the healing effect of animals on humans? Here goes.

Petting animals, or even just sharing a mutual gaze with a beloved pet, increases the levels of oxytocin in humans.

If you’re a healthcare professional, you may know right off the bat what this means. If you’re like me, you’ll need to read the next few paragraphs to understand the significance.

Our brain tends to release more of this neurotransmitter in moments of bonding. For example, during a hug, orgasm, childbirth, and breastfeeding. Oxytocin is one of the physical things that causes us to love and feel loved.

In the same vein, oxytocin is present in high quantities when people are engaging in pro-social behaviors. For example, laughing, relaxing, and trusting. It even plays a huge role is psychological stability.

The effect of oxytocin is so powerful that scientists are looking into using oxytocin as a treatment for various disorders. These include phobias, social anxiety, postpartum depression, and even autism.

Or maybe, you could just get a dog.

Picture Credit: Pixabay

Exercise

Another secondary effect of animals, dogs in particular, is that they tend to help you get more exercise. They always want to play or go for a walk. If you’re struggling with depression or stress, they’ll encourage you to get out of the house and walk around.

Exercise in itself brings with it a whole host of mental and physical health benefits. When you exercise, your brain releases endorphins. These handy chemicals are so potent at energizing you and lifting your spirits that they have been nicknamed “happy chemicals”.

It is through the use of these chemicals that exercise can boost your mental health. The effect is so powerful that exercise has been found to help with depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD, ADHD, cognitive decline, and even help control addiction.

If exercise is so great, than why don’t more people do it? In fact, 80% of Americans don’t get enough. The hard part is the motivation to get started. That’s where a pet comes in.

Picture Credit: Pixabay

Ready to Get a Pet?

If you don’t already have one, these benefits are pretty compelling reasons to get one. If you do have one, you may have already experienced much of this. Maybe you’ve already felt the effects but didn’t know that science backs you up.

Now you know. The next time that a friend of yours is going through a rough time or can’t shake a funk, try taking them to pick out a puppy.

Of course, not everyone’s lifestyle works for getting a puppy. But you could encourage them to volunteer at a local pet shelter. Spending a little time with animals a few times a week could be just the boost they need.

Have you had any experiences with the healing powers of animals? You can share your experiences with animals helping humans in the comments below!

Wonderful post! I totally agree with what you said. I’ve had a history of depression for 30+ years and I know the difference it’s made having my cats in my life. My psychiatrist also brings his dog and sometimes his cat to sessions.

Going for walks is one reason I have a dog! I’ve threatened Buffy a few times that she needs to fulfill her job and go for long walks even though she’s a senior and blind. But she just jumps up and wants an uppy on my lap, then she gives me a hug!

I love having pets and they contribute a great deal of happiness to my life. Therapy pets are really awesome, as are service dogs.

I think adding a pet to your life is a great idea. Adopting an adult dog is usually a lot easier than training a puppy, and I love your idea of visiting the shelter if someone isn’t ready for a pet. I think every pet lover appreciates the quiet reassurance a pet can offer.

However, I know some people that have pets and still suffer from depression and anxiety. While their pets are comforting, some of my friends take medications/see a therapist to help live their best lives. Sometimes, people reach out for help because they need to be there for their dog.

Animals have been in my life since the day I was born and I must say that they definitely help to relieve stress for sure. They also always seem to know when you’re feeling a bit down; they know exactly how to comfort you or cheer you up.

I had no idea that the concept of therapy pets went back so far. None of my cats are official therapy pets but I know that they fill the role for me. I love the idea of spending time at a shelter when you’re going through a hard time.

Yes I had no idea either. I can say that I have experience doing volunteer work with a cat adoption organization after my cat Dusty passed away and it did help to heal my heart by helping others. I’m about to start volunteer work again. I cannot imagine life without animals in it. They definitely help us when we are going through a hard time.

Great post and so well written, I didn’t know about the history of pets as therapy, although it totally makes sense. My two dogs have helped me in ways they will never know and I love them so much for it.

I can’t tell you how much I love this post! I am currently raising a service puppy (not the same thing, I know) and she has brought so much joy to our entire family. I can’t remember the last time we laughed to much together. It has always been my dream to have one of my future dogs trained as a therapy dog so that we can help others feel better.

Michelle,
Awww that’s awesome. I’m so happy you enjoyed this great guest post by Cara. Yes, they definitely do bring us so much joy and laughter. I think sometimes we forget the important things in life are free but our pets help remind us of what is truly important. Thanks for sharing your input.

Great post and I always say without Layla I would not go out that much, would not meet new people and in a nutshell live in a bubble. She is does so much for me without realizing and with her getting older it worries me but as a friend of mine reminds Baby came into my life during the abusive relationship and left me when she knew I was safe to give another a place in my heart which is Layla and I must be thankful daily for that wonderful gift from her.

Ruth,
Well said and so try. I definitely believe this with people and pets. They come into our lives for a purpose. Sometimes for a season or a lifetime. It’s so hard to say goodbye, but don’t even think about that yet. Layla’s got plenty more lessons and adventures to share with you. Just be sure to document it all along the way! xoxo Thanks for sharing your testimony.

Fabulous post Kamira. I can’t imagine a day without an animal by my side. They’ve brought me so much joy over the years, and even when I’m down I can’t stay that way for long, especially because knowing you have someone depending on you can help get you up, even when it’s the last thing you want to do.

Hindy,
Excellent point! I know having pets gives us pet parents that little extra incentive to try a little harder and get moving because of our furry family members. They do depend on us. Glad you enjoyed this guest post!

What a great post, I didn’t know that Freud used animals in his therapy sessions! My Husky and I are a therapy dog team so I get to see the reactions and benefits of people interacting with her on a regular basis. Thanks for sharing!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

At one point, I worked with Henry towards his certification to being a therapy dog. In the end, we decided it would be too much with everything else he is involved in. He does provide therapy for me, though. I found it very interesting to read that child psychologist, Boris Levinson and Sigmund Freud both used dogs in their sessions.

Sadie,
It’s great you recognized Henry’s limits and what he’s most comfortable with. Yes! Me too, I never knew that about Levinson and Freud either. We learn something new every day right?! Thanks for sharing.

This article touches my heart because my Bella just got certified as a therapy dog, during her journey to become a therapy dog we visited several hospitals and nursing homes and was incredible to see how much happiness she brought to the elderly. True testament that pets have healing powers.

Kamira I enjoy this post very much. I know that i’l Have to deal with future because my cat Shusi is over 10yrs days. I pray that we get some more time with her because my husband,daughter and I love her so much. Thank you for this sharing great information,

Glad you enjoyed this great guest post. Yes, I always recommend DOCUMENTING as many moments as possible while your furry family member is happy and healthy. So when the time comes for her to go to Rainbow bridge you’ll have plenty of memories to look back on fondly and help to heal your heart. I know reflecting on videos and photos of my Dusty helped me. Thanks for sharing.

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